Stephen McCranie's Space Boy Volume 21
#21 in Space Boy Omnibus, 1 Series
on Goodreads (79)
What’s inside...
Amy and Oliver have vanished without a trace, leaving their friends to hunt for clues on Earth while the pair struggle to escape a distant world threatened by a cosmic void called the Nothing. With Cassie skipping her own graduation to join a police investigation—one that links a mysterious meteor to the disappearance—Amy and Oliver search out the reclusive scientist Arno and the Wexler Institute, hoping his century-old knowledge can bring them home before the Nothing catches up. Friendship, bravery, and self-discovery drive this penultimate chapter of Stephen McCranie’s award-winning science-fiction saga.
Character compass
Amy Chu
Zeph
Cassie
Oliver
Discussion points
What does The Nothing represent to you personally?
Was Cassie right to miss graduation? Why or why not?
How do Amy and Oliver support each other when scared?
Tip: Role play these questions
Compare Amy’s coping strategies to your child’s own methods.
Create a family ‘fear journal’—list fears and brainstorming solutions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage is acting despite fear
Explanation: Amy stands her ground when The Nothing appears.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to voice worries and still try new experiences.
Example Lesson: True friends look for one another
Explanation: Cassie’s investigation puts friendship over ceremonies.
Real-World Application: Value relationships over social accolades.
Example Lesson: Asking for help is powerful
Explanation: Amy and Oliver seek Arno’s expertise.
Real-World Application: Children practice reaching out to trusted adults.
Example Lesson: Choices carry consequences
Explanation: Cassie’s skipped graduation strains family relations.
Real-World Application: Decision-making exercises on weighing pros and cons.